andrew semark
Thanks for taking the time to chat Andrew, firstly where are you based and what thing you took a photo of? (Selfies don't count)
I am lucky enough to be based in the Southwest of WA and the last thing I shot photos of was a few slabs down south and a few crazy blokes giving it a good nudge. Amongst rain and wind squalls haha.
I am lucky enough to be based in the Southwest of WA and the last thing I shot photos of was a few slabs down south and a few crazy blokes giving it a good nudge. Amongst rain and wind squalls haha.
|
|
Your portfolio is heavily based around the ocean especially chasing waves in the middle of nowhere, have you had any sticky situations out there?
Had a few moments in the Ocean which has made me feel pretty insignificant, swimming around in ocean that’s pretty raw makes you so aware of what is happening around you, like a heightened sense of things. It’s usually afterwards when you’re warm on land that you can process the situations better. Sometimes it was a good idea, others not so much haha.
Who is pushing it the most in wave riding and surf photography?
Both Surfing and Surf imagery are quite popular now so the limits are always being pushed. Its exciting to see where its going and what will happen next. So many guys holding it down in their industries I’m just lucky to be able to witness just a portion of it.
Had a few moments in the Ocean which has made me feel pretty insignificant, swimming around in ocean that’s pretty raw makes you so aware of what is happening around you, like a heightened sense of things. It’s usually afterwards when you’re warm on land that you can process the situations better. Sometimes it was a good idea, others not so much haha.
Who is pushing it the most in wave riding and surf photography?
Both Surfing and Surf imagery are quite popular now so the limits are always being pushed. Its exciting to see where its going and what will happen next. So many guys holding it down in their industries I’m just lucky to be able to witness just a portion of it.
Are there any photographers, blogs or particular IG pages you keep an eye on for inspiration?
I have a big mix on my Instagram that keeps me amped. Landscape and Travel photographers, surf photographers, music artist and painters and portrait photographers. So much that you can draw inspiration from in your own field. Chris White always inspires me with his work, He’s spent so much time invested in the West Aus coastline he always produces great images and he’s also a really rad human
I have a big mix on my Instagram that keeps me amped. Landscape and Travel photographers, surf photographers, music artist and painters and portrait photographers. So much that you can draw inspiration from in your own field. Chris White always inspires me with his work, He’s spent so much time invested in the West Aus coastline he always produces great images and he’s also a really rad human
|
|
Speaking of Instagram, how do you think it has helped artists?
I think it’s helped with connecting with other artist around you so that’s cool, it’s a free platform so you can make of it what you want. I’ve made friends through Social media that I never thought possible so it’s cool in that sense.
Do you think the work might lose a bit of its longevity when you're scrolling at lightning speed through the feed?
Yeah so true, it’s hard to really get people’s attention now, your images need to have the impact to stop people scrolling and LOOK at an image. I really want to create imagery that cause a reaction out of people and get them to notice what’s going on, super hard to accomplish now though.
I think it’s helped with connecting with other artist around you so that’s cool, it’s a free platform so you can make of it what you want. I’ve made friends through Social media that I never thought possible so it’s cool in that sense.
Do you think the work might lose a bit of its longevity when you're scrolling at lightning speed through the feed?
Yeah so true, it’s hard to really get people’s attention now, your images need to have the impact to stop people scrolling and LOOK at an image. I really want to create imagery that cause a reaction out of people and get them to notice what’s going on, super hard to accomplish now though.
|
You've seen a lot of the world through your camera, what's been the most memorable trip and where was it?
Been super blessed to be able to travel a bit, most memorable trip would have to be when I travelled to Norway in winter with my wife and two groms and shot landscapes for a month. When my kids got to witness the northern lights for the first time was something I’ll never forget. The reaction they had was the same as mine and its experiences like those you can’t pay for. Iceland has recently become a hotspot for photographers, any hot tips before going to chase the northern lights and waterfalls? Iceland is insane. One of the most amazing places I have ever seen, it’s so popular now and it’s fully understandable. You can drive the main ring road and see some of the most mental landscapes. Waterfalls are easy, the place is littered with them, as for the Northern Lights that’s a hard one. Not sure if I fluked it but I have had some long nights watching the sky dance in colour. If its clear and if its dark, Sit outside and see what happens. |
|
What motivates you to keep shooting?
I just love what I do, to be better than I was yesterday and inspire my groms to do what you love. I get to come home and share the memories with others around me. I get to see some cool things and meet rad humans.
Are you working on any projects that we can keep an eye out for?
Just want to tell more stories, I have a few ideas but I’ll just do it rather than talk about it haha.
I just love what I do, to be better than I was yesterday and inspire my groms to do what you love. I get to come home and share the memories with others around me. I get to see some cool things and meet rad humans.
Are you working on any projects that we can keep an eye out for?
Just want to tell more stories, I have a few ideas but I’ll just do it rather than talk about it haha.
Lastly, any advice for young artists and photographers?
Always remember why you started, don’t compare yourself to others and don’t doubt your vision, might sound cheesy but everyone looks at this world differently so share what YOU see.
Always remember why you started, don’t compare yourself to others and don’t doubt your vision, might sound cheesy but everyone looks at this world differently so share what YOU see.